Head of Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

Join Gemba, one of the UK''s fastest-growing fintech companies, at a pivotal moment in our journey. We are a financial infrastructure provider building the future of embedded payment solutions through our direct-to-SME platform and white-label infrastructure for partners. Compliance is a core component of our product, powered by an AI-driven risk and compliance engine offering Compliance-as-a-Service and rapid onboarding.Your MissionYour mission is to lead and scale a world-class, technology-first AML/CTF operational framework that is regulatorily sound and a core enabler of our commercial strategy. You will architect a compliance engine for hyper-growth, supporting direct SME customers and white-label partners, protecting Gemba and our partners from financial crime, and ensuring compliance capabilities differentiate us as we expand internationally.What You\''ll DoAML Program Leadership and StrategyDesign, implement, and continuously improve AML and financial crime compliance policies, procedures, and controls, taking strategic ownership of the end-to-end operational framework.In partnership with the MLRO, support regulatory engagement on financial crime with the FCA, NCA, and other law enforcement bodies.Lead the development and implementation of the firm\''s financial crime risk assessment and AML policies for cross-border SMEs and our B2B white-label offering.Provide strategic operational leadership for European expansion, working with the MLRO to build the AML framework for an EU EMI license.Oversee day-to-day compliance operations including customer onboarding (CDD/EDD) and ongoing transaction monitoring, investigating complex alerts and escalating SARs to the MLRO as needed.Develop and deliver MI on the performance and effectiveness of the AML program to the MLRO, Executive Team, and Board.Technology, Automation and ScalabilityTake strategic ownership of our AI-powered compliance engine and leverage data to drive decisions.Identify and implement RegTech tools and automation to streamline KYC, monitoring, and reporting.Drive hyper-automation to scale AML risk assessments and predictive transaction monitoring.Partner with Engineering and Product to translate regulatory requirements into technical specifications for developers.Integrate new technologies and data sources to keep risk models best-in-class for millions of international SME transactions.Team Leadership and Cultural ChampionshipBuild and mentor a high-performing AML team, fostering a culture of excellence and proactive problem-solving as the business scales.Act as a compliance champion, embedding integrity and risk awareness across Gemba and with external partners and customers.Develop innovative AML training tailored to a fast-paced, tech-driven environment for diverse teams.Strategic and Commercial PartnershipProvide commercially-focused risk guidance to support rapid growth, new product launches, and international expansion.Collaborate with business development to grow the white-label channel, ensuring compliance is a key selling point.Uphold integrity and challenge business decisions when necessary to protect the firm\''s license to operate.What You\''ll BringExperience and KnowledgeMinimum 10 years of AML/financial crime compliance experience, with a background in banking and mature, large-scale frameworks.Essential experience in FCA-authorised Payment Institution or E-Money Institution within a high-growth fintech environment.Proven track record building or scaling compliance functions in regulated fintech or payment institutions.Senior AML leadership experience (e.g., Head of AML or Senior AML Manager), with exposure to MLRO collaboration.Expert knowledge of UK/EU AML/CTF regulations (POCA, MLRs, JMLSG, PSRs) and cross-border payment rails (SWIFT, SEPA, FPS).Experience supporting regulatory licensing applications (e.g., EU EMI licenses) is a plus.Leadership and Personal AttributesA Tech-Forward Architect:

Designing, building, and scaling compliance systems using AI, automation, and data.The Translator:

Translating regulatory principles into clear technical specifications for engineers.A True Champion and Motivator:

Inspiring leadership to build a world-class team and promote a proactive compliance culture.Hands-on and Entrepreneurial:

Willing to roll up sleeves and build from the ground up.Commercially Astute:

Understanding that compliance enables growth and is central to the product.Integrity and Resilience:

Courage to make tough decisions in a fast-growing environment.A Bachelor\''s degree is required; professional qualifications (e.g., CAMS, ICA Diploma) are highly desirable.What We OfferOpportunity to build from the ground up and shape the future of payments compliance in a venture-backed fintech.Collaborative, ambitious, tech-focused environment with partnership to founders and leadership.Resources and support to lead a best-in-class, technology-driven compliance function for international expansion.How to ApplyIf you are a driven, tech-savvy, and inspiring compliance leader ready to build the future of financial crime prevention, submit your CV and a cover letter outlining why you are the perfect candidate to lead Gemba\''s AML ..... full job details .....